Animal Dermatology & Skin Conditions in Fullerton, CA

Aspen Animal Hospital in Fullerton, California provides quality, compassionate veterinary care. Dr. Toledo and his staff are passionate about providing your animal companion the care they deserve. Just like people, animals are susceptible to allergies and other dermatological conditions. Allergies and skin issues can cause discomfort and irritation in pets, making your dog or cat feel miserable.

Skin problems are some of the more common conditions owners bring their cats and dogs to the veterinarian for, certain skin problems are easily managed or cured while others can be difficult to diagnose and treat. It is best to consult your veterinarian if you suspect that your cat or dog may have a skin condition or reaction to an allergen.

Skin conditions may be the result of allergies, parasite infestations in the environment, or can be as complicated as bacterial infections, autoimmune, and endocrinologic (hormonal) diseases, chronic or recurrent ear infections, diseases of the feet, footpad, or nails, and skin cancers. Some skin problems may even be transferable between your pet and family members.

While it is important to realize that your pet's skin problems, especially those that have been developing over a period of time, often aren't solvable overnight, most can be managed with the help of your veterinarian.

Symptoms of Skin & Allergy Problems:

Excessive scratching and face rubbing

Excessive licking of the feet, legs, and abdomen

Localized hair loss

Biting and chewing at the skin

Recurring skin infections

Frequent ear infections

Chronic anal sac problems

Conditions Frequently Requiring Veterinarian Assistance:

Parasites such as fleas and others

Infectious Diseases

Systemic Diseases

Skin Cancer

Allergic Conditions

Fleas & Your Pet

Fleas are blood-feeding parasites that can infest many species of birds and mammals alike. Although fleas on dogs and cats don't infest people, they may bite people if an area is heavily infested. Flea infestation is one of the most common medical problems veterinarians see, and pets suffer considerable discomfort caused by these little pests. Flea bites may even trigger severe allergic reactions in some pets. The intense itching caused by flea infestation causes pets to scratch and bite themselves; often leading to skin wounds, skin infections, and general misery for your pet. Even if your pet is not allergic to flea bites, fleas can transmit serious diseases, such as bartonellosis (the bacteria that causes “cat scratch disease” in people), and other parasites, like tapeworms.

Allergy Conditions & Your Pet

Did You Know? Dogs suffer from seasonal allergies just like people, but unlike us, they tend to scratch rather than sneeze when they are allergic to something.

Most of the allergic disease that occurs in dogs and cats affects the skin. These allergies include reactions to food items (food allergy), air borne and contact substances (atopic dermatitis), and fleas (flea allergy dermatitis). Allergies can be difficult to diagnose and treat and are the kinds of cases where involving your veterinarian can not only help diagnose and resolve the problem earlier but also potentially save the pet owner money in the long run.

If you suspect your pet may be suffering from a skin condition or allergy, call Aspen Animal Hospital in Fullerton, CA today to schedule an exam so that we can identify what is causing your cat or dog's discomfort.